Once a leading platform for real-time updates and global discussions, Twitter, now rebranded as “X,” has transformed under the ownership of Elon Musk. Initially created in 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Twitter was known for breaking news and connecting people worldwide, despite issues with trolls and bots. However, the current version of X now promotes conspiracy theories and misinformation, becoming a stage for Musk’s views and leaning toward the far-right propaganda of Donald Trump and other extreme voices.
Economic Decline
The decline of X has also impacted its finances. In the last year, the platform saw a 20% drop in users in the United States, 33% in the United Kingdom, and 15% in the European Union. Since Musk acquired Twitter in October 2022, advertising revenue has been cut in half, and its valuation has plummeted from Musk’s $44 billion purchase price to a current estimated value of $9.4 billion. Cost-cutting measures have included staff layoffs, particularly among those moderating content. Musk’s refusal to counter misinformation has only worsened the situation, as his own posts often spread conspiracy theories.
Regulatory Concerns
Musk’s actions have raised concerns among global leaders. Brazil’s President Lula attempted to ban X in September, forcing Musk to comply with the Brazilian Supreme Court’s requirements to avoid being blocked. Europe could be the next to take similar measures.
Earlier this year, a violent anti-immigrant riot broke out in Southport, UK, after rumors falsely linked the deaths of three young girls to immigrants. On X, Musk amplified these claims, engaging with far-right figures and posting conspiracies about the riot. He claimed Europe was on the brink of a civil war, escalating tensions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. In response, the EU’s Renew Europe leaders criticized Musk’s encouragement of violence, demanding accountability for his actions.
European Regulations and Consequences
The tension between Musk and the EU dates back to Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022. In February 2024, the Digital Services Act (DSA) was enacted, requiring major platforms like X to combat illegal content and misinformation or face fines of up to 6% of their global revenue. Although X’s EU user base fell from 126 million to 103 million, it still qualifies as a “gatekeeper” under EU regulations, which impose stricter content-moderation standards.
The DSA has placed X under scrutiny, and regulators are considering fines if the platform fails to meet transparency and anti-misinformation standards. According to EU sources, if Musk’s companies—like SpaceX—were considered together, fines could rise to 6% of their combined revenue, not just X’s. Such a move would target Musk’s entire business portfolio, which may be the EU’s next step if compliance remains an issue.
Public Backlash and Calls for Ban
Growing discontent among EU citizens has spurred campaigns against X. A recent initiative, “Ban X in the EU,” launched by Italian activist Paolo Cirio, is gathering signatures to remove X from Europe altogether. The campaign argues that X fosters misinformation and hate, undermining inclusivity and truth. It criticizes X’s failure to curb hate speech and for allegedly suppressing alternative views.
Cirio’s activism gained attention with his 2020 project, “Capture,” which highlighted the misuse of facial recognition by creating a database of police officers from protest footage. The project was censored in France, sparking debate on digital rights and surveillance.
With backing from several digital rights organizations, the petition seeks broader support. It reflects mounting opposition to Musk’s approach to social media and calls for stronger action against platforms spreading misinformation and fostering societal divisions.
This article is originally published on wired.it/
